z 400

[SCEADU]

I have a couple of questions about the Z 400.

I have been trying to get rid of my Banshee for about a month now so I posted it up on Craig's list for sale or trade. Tonight I got a guy that has a 03 z 400 that is willing to trade . I don't know much about the 400's except what I see on the trails and in the mags. The fact is I built the Banshee too radical for my 16 year old son and his desription of the bike is simply "Intimidating". I need a riding partner and I see this as an opportunity to bond with my only "man-child" so even though I have around $5000 invested in the Shee I am willing to take a loss in order to get a machine my son will ride. Shee's are not real popular around here because they are "generaly" not condsidered good trail quads for the GA trails. I know that some would disagree, but where I ride I have only seen 3 Shees and they don't stray far from the dragstrip. I have never once seen one on any of the MX tracks and only one on the trails. The fact that I have had it on Craig's list and have not gotten but maybe 2 replies in a month also leads me to the conclusion that Shee's are not a choice machine here. I have an " in great condition" 250R so my oppinion is even tainted further when it comes to riding the Shee on the trails.

So here are my questions

1) how much have they changed the "Z" from 02 to 08
2) How often does the engine need rebuilt or adjusted
3) how is the suspension
4) any thing one should look for when buying a used Z

Here is a photo of the Z and my Shee.
http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp67/justin-z400/000_0007.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/Banshee/P8010333.jpg

Fire away with your oppinions lads and lasses (Mrs Mosh) I am all ears.

[willrideanythin]

Ok, First off the Z came out in 03.

03s had a non removable grab bar
03-04 had crappy front shocks Find some 05 and up
05-08 ran a different CDI plug
03-09 are know for a weak spot on the frame right above the shocks
05-08 is unchanged
09 have LTR450 styling and EFI
Somewhere in there they changed the carb models from a BSR36 to a BSR37, I think it was 05.

You can build them to roughly a really mean 510cc big bore Shee eater (for latter)

I have an 04 and love it, The man child would be a great fit on a Z.

IMO I would not trade even based on how stock the Z is compared to the Shee.
The Z has nerfs bumpers and an exhaust, Big deal. Bide your time and dont rush it. Or you can put the Shee back to a stock like setting via Ebay and make some cash too.

[cody2]

Yeah, that is a nice shee. The shocks on the older z's are pretty lame (have them on my kfx 400), i would go for a newer model like the 2005 and up, the 09 has efi which is really a positive.

[z400guy28]

I to have an 03 and ride some rough trails. I also owned a banshee and i feel my Z is way better on the trails than my banshee was. One thing to also inspect on the Z's is the axle bearing carrier. When i bought my Z it must have had a crack in it and me beating on it cracked it even more. I thought it was just the bearings but when i pulled the axle off i saw the carrier had about an inch crack on it. So i bought the new carrier for 200.00. Imo the Z is a way better trail quad than a Shee. Also the newer one's i think 05 and newer had the messed water pump covers. They corrode and you lose all your coolant and your motor blows up.

[cr480r]

I am a 2-stroke guy, But I have found the Z400's to be a pleasure on the trails.. They have decent power and if your son is "intimidated" by a banshee, the '03 suspension will be plenty adequate for his skill level, and can easily be upgraded later... Its far better than what the banshee comes with..

[SCEADU]

Well it is a done deal. After about 2 hours on the trail yesterday I was sold on the "Z". I really enjoyed building the Banshee and it was fun hitting the drags with it but the Z just simply feels better in the woods. The z had more mods than I expected when I went to pick it up and it turns out that I think I got the better of the deal .

[Mosh]

I always liked the Z 400.I rode a few of them.They are great all around machines.
They only complaint I had with them, is they felt tall or tippy to me,but those stock rear tires are probably the cause of that feeling.

You made the right choice getting that for your son,over a Banshee.He will have much more confidence on it,and just the reverse and starting make it easier to ride.
The only problems I know of with them is the frames crack near the front shocks in heavy MX use,and the timing chain tensioners are known to fail.But some comapany makes a manual adjuser for them that helps the problem.

Good choice!

I wont give you Mrs's Mosh's opinion,but I will anticipate her repsonse.
She would ride one if she has to,but if it dont have reeds,It dont fill her needs.LOL

[SCEADU]

More developements have happened in this trade. The misses who is not a quite a nature girl, has said that she might like to give riding a whurl because she said the Z is a cute li bugger that reminds her of Bumble Bee from the Transformers movie. Today she said that I can give her some riding lessons. With any luck I may have a new riding partner that I so desparately am seeking.

[cody2]

Bore that z400 out and throw some razr 2's on it and it will be a completely different bike!

[SYKO]

whooo hooo chicks that ride rule!! mine does when she can, bring her down in october man!! mine will be out there on her pink blaster!!

[SCEADU]

Well we are takin baby steps here.

Yesterday's instruction sesion didn't go quite as planned but we are getting there!!! At least I got her on the bike and she knows how to start it. the clutch thing is given her a bit of problems. A few more weekends and I'll have her roostin fo sho.

[z400guy28]

I have some holeshots on mine and it did improve the handling alot better. I'm in the same boat trying to teach my girl how to ride but the same problem the clutch, but she's getting there. I'll try and post some pics of my Z tomorrow.

[z400guy28]

Well i said i'd post some pics of my 03 Z. In the pics you'll notice the bumper is bent to the left and the clutch lever is bent ( I actually like it better now ) and the choke is broke. This is what happens when you don't strap your quad down in your buddies truck. We had them in his truck side by side in a 6ft bed. His Raptor and my Z both fell out and no real bad damage. We got chased by the cops and they told us to have someone pick them up. Our buddy did but no straps to strap them down. Well my Z is pretty much stock except for Holeshot tires all the way around, Full Yoshimura pipe, and the carb is jetted. I sold my Shee for 1000.00 and basically paid 900.00 for this,( it was 1900.00 ) .

[WaimakRydah]

$900 for a z400? I dont know alot about american currency but over here you would be lucky to find a z400 for under $5000.

I cant say alot about the z400 as the only time i rode one was on my mates driveway. One of my mates has one and he rides it pretty crazily and usually it is up to it he has had a couple of problems with it but it looks pretty quick.

Im 16 I sure wish my dad was willing to buy me a z400

[rdlsz24]

z / kfx 400's are sweet. I have had my '03 kfx for 4 years now. Only difference from mine to yours is the green plastic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/rdlsz24/KFX%20400/may8_3.jpg

Rob

[SCEADU]

I am loving it!!!!!


I just won a brand new set of KFX 450 shocks and put them on the front of the Z. Can't wait to try them out on the trail.

[cody2]

I have a kfx 400, had some trouble with the top ends on them with the big bore but now that its back down to normal its fine, had some problems with the ball joints too but im running slightly used bottom a-arms on it now, im looking to sell it for $4000 now finally, i have all the papers and it has a lot of parts on it.

[SCEADU]

Got the "Z" to Dtown today and I am a believer in the new 4 stroke tech. I am actually faster on the"Z" compared to my "R". I have a bum ankle and it is sometimes hard for me to shift the "R" to stay on the pipe. Especially when I am standing up. With the broad power that the "Z" puts out, my shifts are much less frequent so I can concentrait on working the machine and not worry about missing a shift. The KXF 450 shocks work great on the"Z" and I was jumping much higher and further than what I can do on the "R". I hate to say it, but I felt more comfortable pushing the limits on the "Z" over the "R". I still love the way the "R" handles but I am so looking forward to getting a KXF 450. I just hope the economy makes a quick come back so I don't have to part with any of the machines I have now to afford the KXF.

[SYKO]

damn! I'll trade you a 02 400ex for the R! eh?

[SCEADU]

hold it right there mister!!!!

I am not giving up on the Ol "R" just yet. ;}

[SYKO]

lmfao!! awww comeone......

its aight the 400ex is for my fiance' shes upgrading from the ol blasty blast

[SCEADU]

Trimmed some fat off the fenders!! Now you can see those mean KFX 450 shocks!!

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/PA260088.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/PA260087.jpg

[seddon]

those z i have seen them climb hills steeper then u could walk up some 15 foot 90 deg hills

[rdlsz24]

My KFX is awesome on steep hills. Just keep on the gas! lol

Rob

[SCEADU]

Went over to a friend's shop to see how bad he wrecked his GSX 750. He said it was totaled and he was parting it out. I spied the steering stab and told hime that I would buy it. He said for me to just take it. Got it home and engineered a mount for the Z.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/PA290110-1.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/PA290116.jpg

[BigGreenMachine]

Those stick stabilizers work great for what they are. Not as nice as a Precision or Elka but still do their job.

[oOGoFastOo]

Thoes ruff edges on the plastic you cut can be smoothed out with a propane troch on low flame, just dont get too close it will look like a factory edge if done right.

[SCEADU]

now ya tell me LOL!!!

these pics were taken before I spent 2-3 hours on them with the mouse and some fine sandpaper.

I could not beat the price and I enjoy making things work. This one is can be rebuilt. I already changed the oil weight to a lil stiffer.

[EAT_A_450]

A may be stupid but I'm thinking about trading my atc 310 esr for my buddies Z myself. Can't keep the 310 from heating- think I need new rads and my closest park would be allot better on 4 wheels.

[Groundworx]

The Z400 is a good bike. Suzuki basically wanted to out do the Honda 400EX. They put better suspension on it, liquid cooled, reverse, more power. It is a good bike. Eat_a_450, I think you would be happy with a Z. Now the question is, can you part with your 310.

[EAT_A_450]

The Z400 is a good bike. Suzuki basically wanted to out do the Honda 400EX. They put better suspension on it, liquid cooled, reverse, more power. It is a good bike. Eat_a_450, I think you would be happy with a Z. Now the question is, can you part with your 310.


Yeah, I could but my buddy has a 250r already but his bottom end probably don't have 10hrs on it since it was new in 85' so he wants to take mt 310, pt pipe, carb- intake, ign, and put on his since his is practicly like new. Mine is in excellent condition we just don't know the history on mine and do on his so he wants to switch out the parts and sell mine with the stock parts. I love my trike- have a ton of time and money in it but the 4 stroke 4 wheeler is more suitable for my area- I just don't know if I can take that kind of loss- still debating

[SCEADU]

Here is a link to "Z" forums.

http://suzuki.theatvchannel.com/invision/

I was palnning on getting a KFX 450 this year but with the economy being in the crapper I think I am just going to dump half the cost of a new machine into my "Z" and make it a lil more comparable to the 450's

[Groundworx]

Here is a link to "Z" forums.

http://suzuki.theatvchannel.com/invision/

I was palnning on getting a KFX 450 this year but with the economy being in the crapper I think I am just going to dump half the cost of a new machine into my "Z" and make it a lil more comparable to the 450's


There is a white and black KFX450 sitting up at the warehouse where I get my quads from. If you don't mind making a little drive, I can get that thing for you at a great price. Like I said, I am not sure if it is still there or not. It needs a front bumper, rear grab bar, spark plug, probably the gas drained and fresh put in....

I won't be able to get my hands on it for another month or so. I have 12 quads sitting out here for sale right now. Got all my money tied up in those. Getting ready for tax refunds.

[SCEADU]

Pm me with what you are thinking and i may be interested if the price is right. Was it abused?

[BigGreenMachine]

I wouldnt make the step down to a 400 after riding a 310. lol It'll feel like someone lopped a nut off.

I have a bud with a KFX400. All stock and he wails on that thing hard. 1st and 5th are missing in it now...

I've also watched him bog and get stuck on steep hills my 450 made short work of.

I have to say I'm not fond of those quads. ....if I were to buy another quad, be it new or used it would be a Banshee. No question.

[Groundworx]

I wouldnt make the step down to a 400 after riding a 310. lol It'll feel like someone lopped a nut off.

I have a bud with a KFX400. All stock and he wails on that thing hard. 1st and 5th are missing in it now...

I've also watched him bog and get stuck on steep hills my 450 made short work of.

I have to say I'm not fond of those quads. ....if I were to buy another quad, be it new or used it would be a Banshee. No question.

The z 400 isn't going to have the power of a 310, especially a trike. The Z gives up weight and power both. The Z will probably be a lot more comfortable and less mantainance as well. The Z is a good choice as an all around bike. It isn't really going to dominate any one area, but should be excellent across the board...

[SCEADU]

sounds like your friends KFX has been weezed. I have seen a "Z" beat several 450's at the drags. I never asked the guy what he had into it but it was a mix of a good rider and some serious power comin out of that 400.

[Groundworx]

sounds like your friends KFX has been weezed. I have seen a "Z" beat several 450's at the drags. I never asked the guy what he had into it but it was a mix of a good rider and some serious power comin out of that 400.

A modded Z400 beating one of the 450s? It would have to be heavily modded and the 450 would almost have to be stock. The Yamaha and Suzuki 450s wake up very well to minor mods. The 400s are good bike, but even modded 400s just don't have that kind of power.

[factoryX]

lol, I have rode a 400z, and I have to say it is one of the worst bikes ever made, to top heavy, the swing arm looks like is a giant slab of metal, looks ugly, and not enough bottem end...A 400ex is more fun, the 400z is all talk, especially from the people who own them. It may top out faster than a 400ex but the 400ex would beat it hands down on trails and hills...

[Groundworx]

lol, I have rode a 400z, and I have to say it is one of the worst bikes ever made, to top heavy, the swing arm looks like is a giant slab of metal, looks ugly, and not enough bottem end...A 400ex is more fun, the 400z is all talk, especially from the people who own them. It may top out faster than a 400ex but the 400ex would beat it hands down on trails and hills...

I think the z400 and 400EX are very comparable. A Z400 is faster than the 400EX. The Z is more top heavy than the 400EX, but if you want to ride a top heavy quad, jump on a 660 Raptor... That bike is not balanced at all..

[SCEADU]

Like I said.... I don't know what the Z had in it. It could have very well been the 470 kit. I know that the 450's had pipes but Again not sure if anything else was done to them. The guy got them on launch and held a 1 bike lead till the end.

Its funny how you read some forums and they lead to the fact that since the Z's release in late 02 that quad racing has made a strong comeback. I'm not saying...I'm just saying!

[EAT_A_450]

Actually..... this z is pretty fast that I'm thinking about trading for.... well it least I think it's fast but it's the only 400 that I have rode. It is in good condition but has been through several hands so we don't know what all has been done to it other than the HMF pipe on it and the cosmetic bolt ons which shows some1 spent a little money on it. This is what we had to compare it to.

Stock 85 atc 250r. Completly stock like it came off of the show room floor, tires and all. Bottom through top end the z had a little pull on it but pretty much dead
even.

LTR 450 with exhaust and cherry bomb. 1st through 3rd dead even but the 450 started pulling in 4th then 5th it was gone but I thought that the z dead even through 3rd was pretty impressive.

My atc esr 310, with mx port job, 38 pwk carb, cr v force intake, cr ignition and pt hi rev pipe. I have to start out in 2nd and still fight it on my trike cause it's a bottom end beast. I jump out about 3 or 4 bikes off the start but the z never looses ground after that in a drag.

I like the z and you're right it doesn't have no where near the power as my trike but I found it pretty impressive to do what it does..... does it sound like it's been modded to you guys?

[SCEADU]

Usually if the it has one of the bolt on kits the cylinder will be marked on the exhaust side. Athena I think is the biggest name in 434 kits. If you check the "Z" site that I linked earlier you can probably find more ways to find if it has one of the big bore cylinders.

[cody2]

A modded Z400 beating one of the 450s? It would have to be heavily modded and the 450 would almost have to be stock. The Yamaha and Suzuki 450s wake up very well to minor mods. The 400s are good bike, but even modded 400s just don't have that kind of power.

Tell that to Doug Gust whos 400 beat all the worked 450's in a professional race series.

[Groundworx]

Tell that to Doug Gust whos 400 beat all the worked 450's in a professional race series.

He said in a drag race. In tight trails, a 400EX can out do a 450. Not in a drag though. I doubt an average guy can have a Z400 built like Suzuki and Yoshimura built "Diggers" race quad....

[SCEADU]

Making her look a lil younger!!!!

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3020031.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3020032.jpg

[rdlsz24]

Looks sweet!

Rob

[SCEADU]

A few more shots!!

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3210039.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3210044.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3210050.jpg

[cody2]

Nice z400, i miss my kfx.

[SCEADU]

Stretched her out 2" with a LSR swinger!!

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3120234.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3120236.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P3120235.jpg

[Dirtcrasher]

I think you did just fine, that quad looks to be in very nice shape.

I just had an 03 here for 3 weeks. The frame snapped clean through above the shock mount on both sides. All kinds of brackets were cracked, snapped, bent or missing and even the upper motor mounts were both cracked. Ever piece of plastic was cracked and those stupid ASS plastic pins were all missing or broke.

Rear silencer loose, carrier junk, axle threads junk, needs valve adjusting BAD and on and on. I wouldn't have paid 500$ for his quad and I did 300$ worth of work......

I started thinking about adjusting the valves but I was 6 hours deep into already. People like to ride and don't like to pay :(

Just like anything else, it's all about how well you take care of it and yours looks very well taken care of.

Keep an eye on that frame just above the front shocks, I made and migged in a nasty gusset that welded to both the side stock gussets and the upper shock mount itself. Should hold up great but it wasn't easy!

[SCEADU]

Race Ready!!!

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P8070454.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P8070450.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/400%20Z/P8070447.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/_SCEADU_/Dtown%207-18-09/P7170421.jpg

[RodKnockRacing]

nice z man i love it